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kbannon View Drop Down
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E39 525i Sport Individual

Joined: 09-October-2002
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kbannon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: I want an E39
    Posted: 11-May-2010 at 23:06

I was left at the side of the M50 for the second time in two weeks today. The last time, one of my drive belts went and today #14 here decided to start leaking causign the temp gauge to head to the right.

There are a few things wrong with my car which all in all would cost about two grand (which for 150k of abuse isn't bad)
* power steering rack
* left rear door lock stuck
* worn bushing (I think) on passenger side
* will need four new tyres this year

The car has full leather, front sports seats (with the pull out knee bit), dual digital climate, sports steering wheel (the nice one - not the M Sports one ), sunroof (oh yeah, that doesn't lift also (but does go back)) and I also have the lights and the BMW aero kit. Its manual also (which I'd like to stick with).

However, looking at carzone, none of the E39s 523i or 525i seem to have the same spec. Ideally it would have an MTech kit with 17" rims (maybe tuning forks), full (pref. black) leather with the sports seats and digital climate. Why can't I find one? Most of what is on carzone, cbg, etc. is crap.

I've seen the following:
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=3714997 (no mention of NCT or tax
http://www.loadzacars.ie/cars/used/search/details/3698612 (cloth seats, basic air con, auto/, godawful phone mount, etc.)

I'm somewhat reluctant to go for the 530i as I'm spending enough on juice as it is without having to buy more (given that it will most likely be spirited driving!) and the extra motor tax (is it €1,293 now) but it may be an option. My phase of getting a tractor is long gone now BTW.

With exams and assignments for college and other courses and exams for work over the next two or three months, I won't have time to traipse over to the UK unfortunately.

Does anyone know of a decent one?  What do you think of the first link above? What would you offer them?

Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor
Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE
1997 E39 523i
2003 E39 525i Sport Individual
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Fey! Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-May-2010 at 14:38

What's the budget?

You could get one with regular seats and switch them.  Most of the m-tech seem to have alacantra sport seats.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dergside Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-May-2010 at 18:37

KB, was in a similar place at the start of the year.  In reliability terms mine was running great but small issues were cropping up and meaning downtime (leccy boot release packed up, faulty LCM, etc.).  With family committments up the country at the moment I couldn't really afford the downtime, a day here and another there, etc.

Had been keeping an eye out this side but largely unimpressed with what was on offer.  Did a good bit of looking in the UK, was primarily interested in a 528i or 530i e39 with low miles and good provenance, my usual fodder.  Happened across a '00 523i with 40k miles, fBMWsh and all the right paperwork.  Bonus was although it was an SE, it had the optional sport pack (before Sport was a seperate model) and full leather.  Bought it from a private seller and paid top whack (no issue with that since it was well above avg and vrt on this side was fairly minimal, so on the road cost was fairly low). 

So far, its the bargain of the decade.  6.5k miles later I have a car that is solid as a rock for less cost than the first year of depreciation on the previous 5 when I bought it.

Moral of the story - go a little older than you might want, pay silly money (relatively speaking) for the right car (in terms of condition and provenance) and come away with a bargain.

All 3 of our cars were bought like this, average age 12, current average miles 55k and average cost €5.5k.

As an aside, sold the previous 5 to a friend needing a run about and recently returned from Oz, its now passed 150k and he loves it.  His last car in Oz was an e46 M3.  He says he doesn't feel short changed in any terms other than outright pace.

One observation - v noticable difference in torque between M52 and M52TU 523i.  Thought I might have felt short changed not going for the 528i or 530i, but don't.

A couple of suggestions that might fit the approach above, especially the last one.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/SE-Autom/201015197 580736/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/535-3.5/2010131974 44051/advert?channel=CARS

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/BMW+5+SERIES/N e-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-21-42-5 0-59-62-240-4294966943-4294967078/advert.action?R=2010183581 65943&distance=249&postcode=tw1+4hs&channel=CARS &make=BMW&model=5+SERIES&min_pr=&max_pr=7000 &max_mileage=80000&vehicleYearOfManufacture=1999& ; ;vehicleRegLetter=T

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/BMW+5+SERIES/N e-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-21-42-5 0-59-62-240-4294966943-4294967078/advert.action?R=2010183584 08889&distance=26&postcode=tw1+4hs&channel=CARS& amp; amp;make=BMW&model=5+SERIES&min_pr=&max_pr=7000& amp; amp;max_mileage=80000&vehicleYearOfManufacture=1999& vehicleRegLetter=S

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/BMW+5+SERIES/N e-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-21-42-5 0-59-62-240-4294966943-4294967078/advert.action?R=2010173577 67147&distance=170&postcode=tw1+4hs&channel=CARS &make=BMW&model=5+SERIES&min_pr=&max_pr=7000 &max_mileage=80000&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2001& ; ;vehicleRegLetter=Y

As mentioned, consider swapping bits likes seats from your car if you feel strongly but the standard seats are not a second rate choice.



Edited by Dergside
Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kbannon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-May-2010 at 18:56

I like the red one in the UK that you linked to. The first one is beside me at work - will call up tomorrow and check it out.

I was thinking of about 5-10k.

Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor
Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE
1997 E39 523i
2003 E39 525i Sport Individual
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dergside Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-May-2010 at 19:26
Sorry!  Realized that my last post was a bit waffly!
Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93.

Prev:
e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci.
e39 523i SE.
e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE.
e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike Ryan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-May-2010 at 21:36

Dergside Wrote: Moral of the story - go a little older than you might want, pay silly money (relatively speaking) for the right car (in terms of condition and provenance) and come away with a bargain.

How right you are Dergside. It has taken me many many years of motoring (30 years to be exact) to be in similar frame of mind as you. I saw the light about 5 years ago once the brood reached 18 years of age and had to be supported in college. Now I wonder why it took me so long to realise that buying new or very nearly new cars was nothing more than a silly obsession.

The internet has totally reformed the way we can become knowledgeable about a particular make and model of car. The information available to help the likes of me that has the pluck to tackle almost any mechanical or electrical repair, together with the fact that I have free access to diagnostic software (on the QT) makes diy repairs for me a pleasure.

My current project is a 2001 530d touring. I have covered 1000 miles since purchase 5 weeks ago. I have given it a full health check together with a full lubrication service including the engine breather filter which was practically blocked (amazing that, since the car has a full BMW dealer service history to 70,000 miles and has 80,000 miles on the clock). Glad to report that the engine doesent have the dreaded inlet manifold swirl flaps. I am waiting for the tool to replace the rear subframe bushings. The tool that I borrowed in the past to replace the bushings in a 520 E39 will not do the job as the bushings on the touring are larger in diameter.

I am pleased to report that the increase in  mpg from an average of 29mpg for the 520 E39 manual over the last 25,000 miles  to 43.4mpg for the 530d E39 touring manual is welcome. This will more than erode the savage increase in annual road tax over an annual mileage of 10,000 miles.

Any helpful advice in matters of repairs for the above chariot is appreciated.  

          

Euro Builts are Better. Drive one and you directly support jobs in the Irish car component manufacturing industry.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ben O Brien Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13-May-2010 at 14:07

I too have recently spent a bit of time looking for a sport E39 as a daily driver. Roughly 14 months ago i was doing the same search before i picked up the M5 and it was painful and exhuastive. Not much has changed. What i found was overpriced muck with crazy miles, and anything with a bit of spec was twice the price of a standard Irish spec car and short of the extra spec it was no more deserving of the price tag. Ive looked at everything from a 520i Sport to a 540i Sport and all in between and its getting a little tiring. So much so now im looking at other options. If i were you there'd be no doubt about it id be off to the UK and as Dergside says spend top money - in the long run you will save.

I had a deal done on a 02' 520i Sport around a fortnight ago and i have to say it wasnt half as gutless as i thought it would be, the 2.2 TU engine is plenty powerful for day to day usage. Coupled with the Steptronic box it was actually quite pleasant. If i do happen to stumble across the right car it will be a 530d Sport Manual though.

Also, let me know what you plan on doing with the present steed if and when you do replace it, may be interested in breaking/repairing it.

@ Mike, i am presently looking at buying the bush removal tools so that might have that sorted - will be in touch.

 

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99' 728i Sport
98' E39 M5 - Avus Blue, Dec Car!
96' M3 Saloon - Estoril Blue
94' M3 3.0 Convertible
91' E34 M5 - 3.6, Macau Blue

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dergside Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-May-2010 at 10:25

One suggestion, don't get too hung up on a Sport (KB and/or Ben).  An SE on 16's may have a tad less ultimate grip than a Sport but overall I suspect an e39 on 16's is probably better balanced in real world driving.

Comparing this 523i with sport pack, so, slightly lowered, firmer, 17's, etc. with the previous one on std suspension and 16's is interesting.

Obviously the car on 17's has more outright grip, and is probably therefore marginally quicker point to point, but I find it slightly more inclined to understeer initially so you need to work a little bit more to get it cleanly through corners, either backing off a tad or adding some welly to get the rear to contribute a little bit to steering.  The car on 16's is more neutral.  Much less tendency to initial understeer but still can be steered by the rear a bit.

I initially thought the understeer might have been down hairy rear tyres and front heading to end of life but I've replaced those since, put the new on the rear and moved those to the front, so lots of thread all round.  Still the same response though.

Partially inclined to think, that if I really wanted understeer I would have bought a wrong wheel drive car!

Not complaining, mind you, 7k miles added since the start of Feb and its going to be a good friend for a lot of miles to come I suspect, just like the last one.

Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93.

Prev:
e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci.
e39 523i SE.
e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE.
e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ben O Brien Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-May-2010 at 11:44

Fair point to be made about the SE vs Sport. I mainly want a sport for the all round package more so than the drive, nicer seats, m-tech kit etc. Am currently putting together a 03' E39 530d SE after catastrophic engine failure for the folks so we will see how that performs.

Pretty much every E39 ive owned to date bar the M5 has been an SE and they are not a bad car at all, far from it. I just want a bit of spec if im going to hold onto the car for a while.

99' 740iL   
99' 728i Sport
98' E39 M5 - Avus Blue, Dec Car!
96' M3 Saloon - Estoril Blue
94' M3 3.0 Convertible
91' E34 M5 - 3.6, Macau Blue

*E36 M3's Breaking*
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dergside Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-May-2010 at 14:14

Originally posted by Ben O Brien Ben O Brien wrote:

I just want a bit of spec if im going to hold onto the car for a while.

Understandable.

Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93.

Prev:
e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci.
e39 523i SE.
e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE.
e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Andrew Rolland Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-May-2010 at 15:27

Intersting bit about the handling there Dergside.

My E39 (15" rims) used to understeer when going a bit quick into corners which did suprise me at first.  Both the E60s (17" rims and now 18" rims) I've owned also have been provoked into running wide at the front end with the kerb appearing a bit too quickly at your nearside front wheel on giving a bit of right foot but not enough to get the back to swing out.

Tyres are always well above legal limits on my cars, so it was never down to thin tyres.

Good luck with your hunt K

Andrew

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote b318isp Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-May-2010 at 16:20
Just a thought, but would you consider an E46? 330D or 323/325i would be good, smaller options.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dergside Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-May-2010 at 18:21

Originally posted by b318isp b318isp wrote:

Just a thought, but would you consider an E46? 330D or 323/325i would be good, smaller options.

Having both the e39 and e46 at the moment, while I have great respect for the e46, I prefer the e39 overall.  I know a lot will come down to personal preferences but if I have to get in the car and drive a couple of hundred miles, I know I'll be fresher when I get there in the 5. 

Its more refined in terms of road noise, less crash and thump (both noise and shock) on our pock marked roads, etc.  I swapped the 17's on the 3 to 16's for that reason and its still not up there with the 17's on the current 5, never mind the 16's on the last.

Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93.

Prev:
e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci.
e39 523i SE.
e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE.
e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kbannon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-May-2010 at 22:56
I've driven E46s a few times and while they are nice to drive, I (personally) would still rate the E39 as a better all rounder.
Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor
Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE
1997 E39 523i
2003 E39 525i Sport Individual
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Eamo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-May-2010 at 14:56
Originally posted by kbannon kbannon wrote:

I've driven E46s a few times and while they are nice to drive, I (personally) would still rate the E39 as a better all rounder.


i have to agree - herself has an 318ci, i used to have a 325 touring and i drove dergsides old 330 for a week - all great cars

but i miss my old 535 and surprisingly my 523. i too am looking at another e39 but if the 4.4 guise - 540i. but going on the price of them in the UK, when they do come up for sale they are a lot cheaper here
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Eamo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-May-2010 at 14:58
Originally posted by kbannon kbannon wrote:

I like the red one in the UK that you linked to.



me too!!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dergside Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-May-2010 at 22:45

KB, I know you mentioned that a 530i might be a step too far, as regards road tax, etc. but these two are from a quality source and have just had a couple of grand knocked off the prices.  Spec's are decent, although they are slushmatics.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/Se-3.0-A/201003196 674441/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/530-SE-A/200944195 709319/advert?channel=CARS

Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93.

Prev:
e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci.
e39 523i SE.
e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE.
e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kbannon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-May-2010 at 23:37

Cheers D.

Although they are both nice ones, I'd still feel that I'd have to change the lights and I'd rather have a car that I'm fully happy with.

I am liking this one though...

Originally posted by kbannon kbannon wrote:

The first one is beside me at work - will call up tomorrow and check it out.

Took her for a spin the other day. Nice car with a few minor faults. No service history available which is a big down side ("the previous owner was a woman who brought it in from the UK and is friends with the dealer ) but looks, sounds and feels fairly clean. Still managet to scare a colleague that I brought with me!

Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor
Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE
1997 E39 523i
2003 E39 525i Sport Individual
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dergside Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-May-2010 at 01:30

Originally posted by kbannon kbannon wrote:

No service history available which is a big down side ("the previous owner was a woman who brought it in from the UK and is friends with the dealer ) but looks, sounds and feels fairly clean.

Know what you mean about the lights.  Keep looking at our 328i with the same thoughts!

Re. service hist, if you have any previous reg info from the UK, BMW UK should be able to tell you who serviced it in the UK.  Unfortunately, they recently changed their Cust Serv number to a premium rate number for this service.  Link below.

http://bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/about/cservices

Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93.

Prev:
e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci.
e39 523i SE.
e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE.
e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kbannon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-May-2010 at 12:13

I wouldn't bother TBH. It sounded like a line from the sales rep. He first told me that it had a FBMWSH but when asked to see it he said there was none etc.

Either way there is nothing to show it was serviced over the last few years over here.

Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor
Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE
1997 E39 523i
2003 E39 525i Sport Individual
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